The Jaguars can beat the Broncos if these three things happen
By David Levin
Could these three things happen when the Jaguars travel to face the Broncos on Sunday afternoon?
I picked up Jaguars wide receiver DJ Chark this week and plan to start him against the Denver Broncos. I pray to the fantasy gods he doesn’t let me down.
The second-year player out of LSU has been one of the biggest surprises of this young NFL season for this team and heading to Denver on a fast track and a passing game that continues to show improvements so far this season could spell trouble for the Denver secondary.
Chark’s height and his speed will be the main focus of what coordinator John DeFilippo wants to accomplish this week – using the passing game to set up the run. What that should do is allow Leonard Fournette to have a huge week.
The 69-yard run from scrimmage on Thursday night saved the running back from a disastrous game. The offensive line must do a better job of blocking and opening holes for the former first-round pick to scamper through.
"“We evaluated everything in the run game this week as a coaching staff. If you’re not having the amount of success you want in a certain area, you have to be honest with yourself,” DeFilippo said when the coordinators met with the media this week.More from Jacksonville Jaguars NewsJaguars Rumors: Trent Baalke seems to be getting respect nowJaguars News: This division rival might be making a big moveFormer Jacksonville Jaguars S Johnathan Cyprien: “New Profession, Same Standards”Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram officially gets the franchise tag: 3 takeawaysJaguars News: The offense is in good shape for 2023“How are we installing it? How am I calling it in the game? How are we executing it? If you don’t look in the mirror and be honest with yourself then I think you have a really hard time getting better. Those are some of the tough conversations you have to have. This a big boy league and you have to have those big boy conversations at times.”"
The offensive line play will be critical for the Jaguars success, but so will the execution of DeFilippo’s game plan. I think this game could be low scoring, but there is a chance I am wrong and these three bold predictions come true.
12 Sacks – If the Broncos offensive line woes continue this week, it could be a very long day for Joe Flacco.
Given that this is the return of Calais Campbell to his hometown, playing for the Jaguars and having a game-changing night last Thursday, this could be the start of another double-digit sack season for the big man.
This could also be a big game for Josh Allen, who recorded two sacks last week. The Jaguars recorded 10 sacks twice in 2017 and then had nine last week. I don’t think this happens, but it’s not as crazy an idea as it would seem.
Interesting comment from OC John DeFilippo, who said he is pleased with offense's resiliency and credited Doug Marrone. "He’s the same guy every day and you know what exactly you’re going to get. I think that has helped our football team just as much as anything," he said.
— Phillip Heilman (@phillip_heilman) September 26, 2019
High Altitude, No Problem – Gardner Minshew said earlier this week he did not expect issues playing in the thin air in Denver since he has experienced it in college. That said, we could see a big day with the passing game.
"“We played at Wyoming, which is the highest in the country, and then we played at Colorado Boulder. Didn’t really have any issues,” he said when he met with the media this week. “I think you kind of feel it when you first get there and warm up and stuff, but once you get into the flow of the game, I’ve never had an issue.”"
I don’t know if this is the week Minshew airs the ball out, but it could be a fun day for fantasy football owners. I would love to see three passing touchdowns this afternoon.
Taking it to the House – Jalen Ramsey, yes, he gets a little press here since he has been off the radar for the past few hours, could have a monster day.
It would be fitting for him to get off the plane, suit up, have two interceptions, score a touchdown and then return to Tennessee to be with his family. While he is still a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars why not have one of the bigger games of your NFL career to boost those trade rumors.
This week, the Jaguars looked like they could win in spite of everything going on with the drama surrounding the cornerback. Now, the team might just win because of him. It’s just Jalen being Jalen.
Next. Jaguars RB Leonard Fournette needs a blocking back. dark